We shouldn’t be surprised with Geno Smith’s career renaissance anymore, but at the same time, it’s incredible to see his transformation to a Very Good starting quarterback from how he was with the Jets.
And that doesn’t just include his play on the field. He’s the kind of leader that the Seahawks hoped to have at quarterback in the post-Russell Wilson era.
We watched that on display on Sunday.
Though the Seahawks defeated the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Smith noticed that rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was looking down on the bench. Smith-Njigba’s NFL career is off to a quiet start, and he only had one reception on three targets in Sunday’s game. Still, Smith wanted to make sure that Smith-Njigba knew he’d have an important role.
I love this from Geno Smith. What a player and leader he's become…
(🎥 @NFLFilms)pic.twitter.com/70Xc8R3tpi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 26, 2023
In the mic’d-up discussion from NFL Films, Smith took the blame for not getting the ball to the rookie receiver and really did his part to get Smith-Njigba in the right mindset.
Smith told him:
“Hey, I need you. Need you in the second half. Need you locked in. Alright, look. Whatever happened is on me. It ain’t never on you. You gotta get the ball, so I gotta find you. Alright. But I need you to give me your best this second half.”
Fans also loved hearing that leadership from Smith in action. That focus will pay off for Smith-Njigba as the season continues even if Sunday’s game wasn’t as productive as he would have liked.
This was how Twitter reacted
Great leadership here.. love to see it https://t.co/ZFsTxWDi6A
— Kara Wagland (@Kara_Wagland) September 26, 2023
I really love having Geno Smith as my QB, which is not something I ever thought I would say https://t.co/HEsiHm40f6
— Isaac 🔱 (2-1)(84-71) (@mikalbridge) September 26, 2023
That's real leadership💪 https://t.co/ET9V9m6S0m
— Jimmy Greene (@JimboneGreene) September 26, 2023
Protect Geno at all costs https://t.co/Z4sSL1DtOt
— Spencer (@ShockleyBowls) September 26, 2023
Makes me melt. Such an important aspect of this game- we are lucky https://t.co/Mw1NuKcR3i
— Peter Clay Carroll (@Petewins48) September 26, 2023
How can people not love Geno, god I love this man! https://t.co/DbHWydptnD
— SLUPO (@slupo23) September 26, 2023
Ya love to see it from Geno. Love to see it https://t.co/rY0szaS2kq
— Dan Kruse🦈 (@stanielsmooth) September 26, 2023
My QB 🥲 https://t.co/DXmUzqaahy
— Seahawks Today (@TodaySeahawks) September 26, 2023
Leadership. Love this. https://t.co/4Qz8FsXpJs
— Felix (@FootballPapi) September 26, 2023
